Volunteers working to restore New Live Oak Cemetery with Green Fence Project

Volunteers with Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. have kicked off the Green Fence Project, described as an effort to restore the New Live Oak Cemetery after it suffered damage from a tornado in 2023. 

A press release from the group stated that the project is seeking to create a green barrier along Dallas Avenue with more than 500 feet of evergreen shrubbery. 

The barrier will reportedly provide privacy for families at the gravesites of loved ones, as well as reduced noise from nearby traffic. 

“This project is about restoring dignity and beauty to one of Selma’s historic cemeteries,” said Doug Buster, President of Cemetery Preservation Group, Inc. “The Green Fence will help create a quieter, more peaceful place for families visiting their loved ones while also improving the appearance of this historic property for the entire community.”

The project is being performed at no cost to residents, with the funding coming from private donations. 

Volunteers have cleared debris from the site, grounded stumps, and dug more than 130 planting holes for the shrubbery. Next will be planting, irrigation and mulching. 

After it is installed the group will maintain the site for a year to make sure that the shrubbery thrives and then will be turned over to the Selma Cemetery Department.